Wildcats and Cards set to do battle
By Jay G. Tate
Staff Writer
and Rob Herbst
Assistant Sports Editor
The time has finally come.
The highly anticipated - and perhaps overanalyzed - gridiron clash between UK and Louisville is ready to kickoff tomorrow night at Commonwealth Stadium.The game, despite its ever increasing importance, was unable to land a spot on ESPN. However, the game will be on national television, albeit the land of midnight alligator wrestling and phosphorescent golf ball driving contests - ESPN2.
"This game has evolved into one of the top rivalries in the part of the country," said UK head coach Bill Curry. "I think eventually we'll become one of the top rivalries in the country as both (programs) continue to improve."
Despite the fact that Curry elected to close team practices to the media, negating any ability to analyze the team, the squad returns several players that made significant contributions in 1995.
The departure of 1600-yard rusher Moe Williams to the NFL means UK will look to senior Raymond McLaurin to carry the load on the ground. McLaurin started the U of L game last year but fell victim to an ankle injury, opening the door for Williams' record-breaking season.
In the air, UK will begin, at least initially, with Billy Jack Haskins at the helm. Haskins, who passed for 1,176 yards last year, has retained quarterback duties despite the program landing mega-recruit Tim Couch.
Despite overwhelming pressure from all fronts to showcase the talented freshman, Curry has refused to waiver on his decision to start Haskins at quarterback. Although he will not start, Couch could make his first appearance for UK Saturday night.
"Billy Jack has been firmly established as the starter," Curry said. "But Tim has shown most assuredly that he is good enough to get some playing time."
Perhaps the biggest question mark for UK this year will be protecting the quarterback. In football, it is often said that a team is only as good as its offensive line - which bodes poorly for UK. The position requires a heightened level of experience and seasoning, something that UK is lacking.
Among the offensive line starters, three are underclassmen. However, in the event of an injury to a starter, UK faces the prospect of true freshmen at the back-ups.
"Our offensive line is young," conceded running backs coach Mike Drake. "But I think they can become very solid - it will just take time."
When it comes to offense for U of L, the Cards sport a formidable passing game, anchored by fifth-year senior Jason Payne and junior wideout Miguel Montano. In direct opposition to UK's youth on the front line, U of L instead starts all upperclassmen who should provide strong protection for Payne and blocking for tailback Frank Moreau.
On defense, the Cats return five starters including middle linebacker Mike Schellenberger, who led the Cats in 1995 with 104 tackles. Also returning is defensive end Kurt Supe who led the Southeastern Conference in sacks before a broken arm sidelined him for the final six games of the season.
Last year, UK's defense struggled against the run all season. They finished 10th in the SEC in stopping the run, conceding a miserable 151 rushing yards a game.
If the Cats are to have success against U of L, Curry knows that the run defense will have to step up to the task.
"We expect (the Cards) to emphasize their power running game," Curry said. "We're going to have to stop the run to win football games."
Frontline defense is not a problem for the Cards. Perhaps most indicative of their strength, U of L starts four upperclassmen on the defensive line.
"They're talking about the best front four ever over there (at Louisville) - which is a very large statement," Curry said when considering U of L's reputation of churning out NFL defensive linemen.
But aside from all the stats, depth charts and media hype, history has shown that strong rivalries often come down to a game of psychology and emotion.
"The (U of L) coaches have been guaranteeing a win," UK wideout Kio Sanford said. "I guess they know something we don't, because saying things like that just gets us more ready to play."
Let the game begin.
Vols set to open season vs. Nevada-Las Vegas
Photo: HE'S THE MAN Junior Billy Jack Haskins has been tabbed by head coach Bill Curry as the starting quarterback for tomorrow's game against Louisville. File photo
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